The Government is seeking an industrial partner to establish a bus assembly plant aimed at improving Mozambique’s public passenger transport system, according to a tender notice released by Lusa.
In the document, the Transport and Communications Development Fund (FTC) explains that the Executive, through the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, is already working on the implementation of a “Public Passenger Transport System Improvement” project to help provide vehicles for public transport.
According to the institution, the search for an industrial partner to implement the project is in line with the national legal and strategic framework applicable to industrial development, the promotion of private investment and the transport sector.
“The tender, valid until 23 January, is governed by the regulations of the Law on Public-Private Partnerships, Large-Scale Projects and Business Concessions, namely Decree 15/2016 of 10 August and Decree 79/2022 of 30 December, which regulates the contracting of Public Works, the Supply of Goods and the Provision of Services to the State,” the notice states.
The publication adds that the “Public Passenger Transport System Improvement” project falls within the framework of promoting balance between demographic growth and investment in human development, with the aim of ensuring sustainable population growth and improving living conditions in Mozambique.
In May last year, the Government once again placed the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system on its urban mobility agenda, with a focus on the Greater Maputo Metropolitan Area. The information was shared at the time by the Minister of Transport and Logistics, João Matlombe, during a question-and-answer session in the Assembly of the Republic.
According to the minister, the BRT will be implemented under the MOVE Maputo Project, aiming to respond to growing demand for public transport and improve mobility along the main urban corridors of the capital and neighbouring municipalities. The project is expected to benefit more than 140,000 passengers per day, covering over 30% of current urban transport demand.
Matlombe explained that the BRT system, similar to a surface metro model, includes dedicated bus lanes, upgraded stations, electronic ticketing systems and priority at traffic-light intersections — factors that increase the speed, regularity and efficiency of the service.
The project has seen several attempts at implementation, notably in 2014, 2016, 2021 and 2023, but progress was stalled by various constraints, including the suspension of external funding.
In 2014, the initial proposal envisaged a cost of around 7.2 billion meticais (USD 100 million), to be financed by Brazil, but it was cancelled following the Lava Jato operation. Subsequent attempts involved support from the World Bank, with revised budgets reaching up to 18.1 billion meticais (USD 250 million).
